Arbitrator Denies Appeal for Return of Piece Work System

August 8, 1930

The plea of the employers in the cloak and suit industry of New York City that they be allowed to re-establish piece-work in their shops has been denied by Raymond V. Ingersoll, impartial chairman of the cloak and suit industry. Mr. Ingersoll pointed out that the current agreement between the Industrial Council of Cloak and Suit Manufacturers and the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union does not expire until June, 1932, and that it contains no provision for the consideration of any modifications in the work system until three months prior to the expiration of the agreement.

Samuel Klein, executive director of the cloak employers’ group, had declared previously that most of the workers are opposed to the present week-work system. Mr. Klein’s demand for piece-work was characterized by Benjamin Schlesinger, president of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, as “propaganda bunk,” which, if it became effective, would restore sweatshop conditions in the cloak industry.